Clinton calls Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader to pledge US aid after its president was deposed

Clinton calls Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has spoken with Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader to convey U.S. support after that country’s president was deposed.

The State Department says Clinton telephoned Roza Otunbayeva on Saturday to offer humanitarian aid and to discuss the need for stability in the region. It comes after Kyrgyzstan’s deposed president, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, fled the capital on Wednesday amid a protest rally against corruption, rising utility bills and deteriorating human rights.

Clinton also discussed the important role of the U.S. air base in Kyrgyzstan, and Otunbayeva reaffirmed the country would abide by previous agreements to help the U.S. seek stability in nearby Afghanistan. Clinton will send Assistant Secretary Robert Blake to Kyrgyzstan to follow up on the discussion.

That U.S. air base is a key element in the international military campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan.